The country is at war with Japan. Beijing and Shanghai have already
fallen. Japanese troops arrive at the doors of the capital, Nanjing.
Following weeks of bombardment, local and foreign officials have fled
the city in ruins.

LU, a charismatic Chinese General intensely determined to repel the
enemy, leads his men in defense of their capital, street by street.
They have little ammunition left as they face the Japanese tanks, but
they refuse to leave.

Mr. TANG is guardedly optimistic as he and his family flee to the International
Safety Zone, where a growing number of Chinese civilians find shelter.
Operated by the city's few remaining foreigners, the zone has become
a large refugee camp. Miss JIANG, a young Chinese teacher with a strong
sense of mission, coordinates life in this crowded enclave, attempting
to protect as many individuals as she can.